Winter 2017
Celebrating Champion Trustee – Agnes Hayden
“The true meaning of life is to plant
as a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s transportation committee. He was also
a trustee for Alma College and later Hillsdale
College. Agnes attended the National Teachers
College in Evanston, Illinois before transferring to Eastern Michigan University. She briefly
taught third-grade, volunteered for 20 years
at Oakwood Hospital’s Women’s Association,
was a Girl Scout leader and a member of the
Women’s National Farm and Garden Association
for 30 years. In the late 1980s they founded
High Pointe Golf Club together.
trees, under whose shade you do not
expect to sit.” Nelson Henderson
If you have attended the Concerts on the Lawn
in the past four years, you’ve seen one of the
more tangible gifts Agnes Hayden has provided
to the Grand Traverse Pavilions community, the
Hayden Gazebo under which our local artists
perform. Like many of her gifts, it came about
because according to Agnes, “there seemed to
be a need.” With her no-nonsense demeanor,
Agnes is a lady who steps in and leads when
needed, all with a quiet, stately presence.
That willingness to step in is how Agnes
became a Grand Traverse Pavilions Foundation Board Member. When her husband Donald
passed away in 2006, Agnes was asked to
take over his seat on the Foundation Board by
fellow Board member, Clara McManus. Like her
husband, Agnes has been a strong presence on
the board ever since.
“Don and Agnes together were a great source
of support for the Pavilions and the Foundation,” said Kory Hansen, Administrator/CEO of
Grand Traverse Pavilions. “Since Don’s passing,
Agnes has continued to be someone we can
rely on to help us achieve our mission of caring
for the elderly in our community.”
Her willingness to support PACE, the Program
of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly, is much
like the Gazebo. She saw a need and felt the
inclination to do something about it. “With PACE
the need is definitely there and if people can
Agnes and Donald Hayden
stay in their home they are happier.”
As Co-Chair of the Capital Campaign for
PACE, Agnes has stepped up to support PACE
in many ways including a personal leadership
commitment and holding a PACE informational
event at her home.
Married in 1946, the Haydens were active in
Dearborn where they lived at the start of their
marriage and here in Traverse City, where
they moved to 40 years ago. A distinguished
World War II veteran and University of Michigan
graduate, Don went into the trucking business
at E & L Transport Company, advancing through
the ranks and later buying the business. As a
respected business leader he served as president of Dearborn Bank and Trust, as president
of the Dearborn Chamber of Commerce, and
Traverse City has benefited greatly from the
philanthropy of the Hayden family. Besides
Grand Traverse Pavilions the Haydens have
supported the First Congregational Church,
Traverse Symphony Orchestra, Munson Medical
Center, the Cowell Family Cancer Center, the
City Opera House, Child and Family Services,
and many others.
The Hayden Family Foundation focuses on
supporting causes related to health, children,
and education. They have provided scholarships to many students, including students at
Hillsdale College through the Lloyd Lawson
Tradition Award, in memory of Agnes’s father.
Hillsdale’s campus also features the 190-acre
Hayden Park made possible by the Hayden’s
generosity. The park hosts a variety of activities including mountain bike trails, volleyball
courts, and a practice facility for the golf team.
Their work and philanthropy at Hillsdale College
earned them honorary doctor of public service
degrees in 2007. Don also received an honorary doctorate from Alma College.
Continued on p. 2
1
By Kory Hansen, Administrator/CEO
An Update from our Administrator/CEO
With the beginning of a new
year, we at
Grand Traverse
Pavilions are
excited for what
2017 has in store
for the Pavilions,
and PACE, the
Program of AllKory Hansen
inclusive Care
for the Elderly.
This edition of the Legacy shares a lot of
exciting news!
Our Wellness Center will celebrate 15 years of
service to the community this year, the first of
three consecutive years of important anniversaries. You can read about the wide range of
services offered by our Wellness Center on
page 6. Next year will be the 20th anniversary of
the opening of Grand Traverse Pavilions while
2019 will be the 60th anniversary of our
flagship, Grand Traverse Medical Care.
We are thrilled to invite the community on to
our campus for another year of great events,
including a full line-up of 14 Concerts on the
Lawn and four installments of our Successful
Aging series. More information on these events
is available on the back cover of this issue, on
our website, and on our Facebook page.
We also head into 2017 with a renewed sense
of mission and dedication to continuously
improve the continuum of services we offer.
One of the reasons we are excited for 2017 is
the achievement of what has been a long-term
goal for Grand Traverse Pavilions, opening a
PACE center in Northern Michigan. PACE, the
Program for All-inclusive Care for the Elderly,
will help us continue to meet the needs of the
growing elderly population. While we are still
fundraising for start-up costs, we have met
the first fundraising goal which will allow us to
start renovating the old Grand Traverse County
Health Building on Garfield Avenue, where PACE
North will be located. These renovations are
expected to start within a few months.
Another noteworthy development is the hiring
of our new PACE Executive Director, Sharon
Essi. Sharon comes to Northern Michigan with
considerable experience with PACE programs
all over the country. Her experience will help us
as we take the necessary steps to achieve our
goal of opening by the end of 2017 (Read more
about Sharon on page 3).
We have also started forming the PACE Board
of Directors, whose names are listed on page 3.
This board will be crucial in helping to launch
PACE North in our region.
All of us at Grand Traverse Pavilions thank you
for your continued support of our programs.
We couldn’t provide the level of care that we
do without a community that is engaged and
affirms our mission.
Continued from p. 1
Agnes Hayden
“Agnes is wonderfully young at heart – she
enjoys a good laugh, and her passion for life is
infectious,” states Deborah Allen, Foundation
Executive Director. “She even willingly took
on a parallel role to the Dowager Countess
of Grantham for our recent Gala which was a
spoof on the popular Downton Abbey series…
and she looked amazing!”
“It was so nice to have her family play along
and join her at the event,” said Allen. “This is
just one small example of the total show of
support Agnes and her family offer the organizations they value – we are very grateful for
her generosity and commitment to the Foundation Board, the PACE Campaign and the Grand
Traverse Pavilions residents.”
Agnes has a zest for life unhindered by perceptions of age, something that she shared with
her late husband. Don celebrated his 75th
birthday by attending the Skip Barber Racing
School. Together they enjoyed a hot air balloon
ride for their 58th anniversary. She celebrated
her 90th birthday with her family at an “I Love
Lucy” themed party. Her active calendar filled
with volunteer and family activities is an indica2
Agnes Hayden (at right) attending the Gala with her Grandson, DC Hayden, and Daughter Ruthann Barrie.
tion that she won’t be slowing down anytime
soon. When asked of the Legacy she would
like to leave behind, Agnes stated “I’d like my
kids to continue to be philanthropic.” With role
models like Don and Agnes, that is a family
legacy that seems destined to be fulfilled by
their three children, four grandchildren and six
great grandchildren.
Introducing Sharon Essi - Executive Director of PACE North
Sharon Essi
Grand Traverse Pavilions is happy to
announce the appointment of Sharon Essi
as the Executive Director of PACE North.
“We are excited to bring Sharon on board,”
says Kory Hansen, Administrator/CEO
Grand Traverse Pavilions. “Hiring someone
with her level of expertise and experience
with PACE in both start-ups and rural
settings is a valuable and important step
in bringing PACE, Program of All-inclusive
Care for the Elderly, to the region.”
As Executive Director, Sharon will work with the Grand Traverse Pavilions
staff and Foundation, along with the newly created PACE North Board of
Directors, to reach out to the community for support of PACE. She will
be charged with laying the foundation for a successful PACE program
including creating operating procedures, developing a provider network,
and hiring staff.
Sharon has over twenty years’ experience in long term care, with
the last ten years serving as both a CFO and Executive Director in
PACE organizations throughout the country in multiple states including
Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Miami
University of Ohio and a Certificate in Long Term Care Core of
Knowledge from Ohio State University.
“This is such an exciting time for the Traverse City region,” said Sharon.
“PACE has been very successful in many other regions of Michigan. I’m
honored to have been selected to work with the team to further develop
the program.”
2017 Grandparents Gala &Benefit
Help us celebrate our elders on Grandparent’s Day
weekend with two very different opportunities: a Saturday
evening Gala Concert and a Sunday afternoon Brunch &
Benefit. Both events will feature an amazing personal
performance by renowned pianist Robin Spielberg.
Proceeds will support efforts to bring the Program of
All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) to Northern
Michigan. For more information on sponsorships and
tickets visit gtpavilions.org/2017-gala-benefit or call the
Grand Traverse Pavilions Foundation at 231.932.3018.
Tickets go on sale June 1, 2017.
Two Dates: September 9 th & 10 th
Grand Traverse Pavilions Employee Scholarship Awards
Congratulations
to employees
Sadie Lovano, who
received a $400
scholarship for
Fall semester and
Roxanne Bott, who
received a $400
scholarship for both
Fall and Spring
semesters.
student at Northwestern Michigan
College where she
is studying Business Administration.
Roxanne Bott
Bott is a student at Ferris State University
working on her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
She currently works as Dementia Services
Assessment Coordinator for the Pavilions.
A Custodian at the Pavilions, Lovano is a
The Grand Traverse
Pavilions Foundation awards employee scholarships
twice a year for up
Sadie Lovano
to 6 recipients.
All applicants are reviewed on an objective
basis, with the decision to award based on
performance, attendance, and course of study
as it relates to the organization.
PACE North
Board Members
Announced
PACE North is excited to announce the
following community members which have
agreed to serve as Board of Directors:
Jerry Worden, CPA
COO/CFO
iNDIGO Health Partners
Mary Marois
Interim Director for Children & Families
Northern Lakes Community Mental Health
Bob Schlueter
Executive Director
Area Agency on Aging of
Northwest Michigan
Kory Hansen
Administrator/CEO
Grand Traverse Pavilions
Greg Kish
Attorney
Estate Planning, Elder Law, Probate
and Trust Law, and Special Needs
Planning
Marie Hooper
Executive Director
Northern Physicians Organization
Dr. James Whelan, MD
Medical Director for Population
Health Management
Munson Healthcare
3
A Great Time to Rethink Charitable Giving
Grand Traverse Pavilions
Foundation Board of Trustees
Dennis Prout, President
Cynthia Klingler, Vice President
Kory Hansen, Secretary
Russ Knopp, Treasurer
Christopher Chang
Agnes Hayden
Leo Hughes
Deb Jackson
Clara McManus
Barbra Mikowski
Evelyn Richardson
Anne Spieles
Jerry Worden
Foundation Executive Director
Deborah Allen
DHHS Board Members
Ralph Soffredine, Chair
Mary Pat Randall, Vice-Chair
Rodetta Harrand
Legacy is a publication of the
Grand Traverse Pavilions Foundation.
If you no longer wish to receive mail
from us or to change your contact
information please contact
Jessi at [email protected]
or call (231) 932-3018.
We would also love to add you to our
email list. Please share your email
with us so we can keep you better
informed of what’s happening here
at Grand Traverse Pavilions.
1000 Pavilions Circle
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 932-3018
4
What programs might you think
2017 marks a brand-new year,
about even as the New Year is
and the Grand Traverse Pavilions
still “new”? First, giving in a
marches ahead with brand-new
tax-advantaged way still tops
opportunities. This extensive list
the list. The Qualified Chariincludes Concerts on the Lawn,
table Distribution (QCD) was
which continues to grow in enmade a permanent part of the
thusiasm within the community.
tax code beginning in tax year
The Pavilions provides a great
2016. Personally, as a financial
concert venue that showcases
planner, I am asked often about
exceptional local talent, all hosted
Dennis Prout, CFP®, RMA,
the workings of this. Briefly, for
by the familiar Pavilions crew.
Master Elite Advisor
those who are over age 70½
Also on board, a new beautificaand subject to Required Minimum Distributions
tion plan is being presented for the campus to
(RMD), you may give a portion or all of your
support the gardens, fountains and historically
RMD (up to $100,000 per year) from your IRA
divergent tree species as a part of the amazing
or other tax-qualified account direct to charity
Grand Lawn.
each tax year. The benefits? First, giving direct
The PACE program (Program of All-inclusive
removes any income for inclusion in Social
Care for the Elderly) moves forward in 2017
Security taxes. Second, you can pre-plan your
as well, with plans being drawn for anticipated
giving using the most tax-advantaged planning
completion of the facility located on North
and simple-to-give assets. Your IRA, 401(k),
Garfield Road by fall of this year! As evidence
403(b) and other qualified retirement accounts,
of its popularity, the national PACE program
including beneficiary IRAs, are available for you
doubles in size about every five years.
to use this very beneficial option for giving in
The benefits to communities and their
the best way possible. Contact your IRA or other
populations are voluminous, and the biggest,
plan representative for all forms and questions
in my view, is the ability for seniors to remain
you may have. As a further note, these quesindependent at home. The local PACE program
tions are increasing at our office as the over
sponsored through Pavilions leads in that
70½ age group becomes more familiar with
endeavor and benefits Traverse City and its
this option. Other ways to give include using
surrounding areas.
appreciated assets, including stock, which
Furthering the plan for PACE is the new
may be the second best asset to give for those
director, Sharon Essi, who started on January
who give personally to charity. Please consult
23. Sharon brings with her extensive experiwith your professional tax advisor or planner to
ence in advising other communities around
ensure you earn the most benefits.
the nation on implementing PACE. Given the
I hope these notes are helpful and give some
significant community support, as evidenced
measure of the energy the Pavilions are generby many of the most involved foundations and
ating in this community. Personally, I believe the
individuals, she is excited to participate directly
PACE program will change the way health care
at the local level.
is delivered to the retiree set here in Traverse
For those who’d like to be personally invested
City for decades to come. The extensive nain this amazing community endeavor from a
tionwide acceptance of this program, our own
financially wise giving standpoint, 2017
area’s increasing demand for a program like
emerges as a great year to think ahead
this, the Pavilions’ extensive depth, and ability
in terms of charitable giving despite the
to champion and help manage this program
uncertainty surrounding the tax law.
for us locally is a huge win for the future of our
ever-building diverse populace. For more inforRumors swirl of many changes on the horizon,
mation or questions, please contact the Grand
including the possible undoing of itemized
Traverse Pavilions.
deductions. Certainly, it is anyone’s guess
as to the indirect route the tax law might
take to get to its ultimate end in 2017
given lawmakers’ actions.
Advisory Services offered through Capital
Asset Advisory Services, LLC, a Registered
Investment Advisor.
An Un-Common Evening: GTP hosts Annual Gala
The 2016 Grand Traverse Pavilions
Foundation Gala returned to Northern
Michigan, transporting guests back in time
to 1916, to support a noble cause, bringing
PACE, Program of All-inclusive Care for the
Elderly to our region.
“We were excited to bring the Gala back,”
said Deborah Allen, Executive Director of the
Foundation. “A grand time was had by all, and
with the support of our sponsors, donors, and
guests the evening raised $52,000 for the
campaign for PACE.”
The evening concluded with the Timeless Treasures Raffle.
Sue Gresens won the $1,000 cameo donated by CC Jewelers.
Grand Traverse Pavilions Medical Director Dr. Mark Jackson
and his wife Deb Jackson, Gala Committee Chair and a Trustee
of the Grand Traverse Pavilions Foundation Board, played host
and hostess, or actually “Earl and Countess” for the evening.
Grand Traverse Pavilions Foundation
Board President Dennis Prout offers
an invocation.
Aged to Perfection Troop members Hettie Molvang and Howard
Bridges performed an adapted version of the one-act play
“Yesterday” that ended in a group waltz.
Leslie and Russ Knopp enjoy the waltz…. Or at least the moment!
PNC Bank served as Royal Grand Sponsors of the event. Pictured are Regional President Sean Walsh with Cindy Klinger,
Assistant Vice President of PNC Investments and Grand Traverse Pavilions Foundation Board Member, and Kory Hansen,
Administrator/CEO of Grand Traverse Pavilions.
Grand Traverse Pavilions COO of Support
Services Robert Barnes lets guests know
“Dinner is served.”
5
Pets Naturally Sponsors Willow
There is one Willow Cottage resident
that stands out from the rest. Willow
is the resident pet for our Adult Day
Services participants and Willow
Cottage residents. Recently Willow
received her first sponsorship thanks
to Pets Naturally in Traverse City.
Pets Naturally is Northern Michigan’s
Premiere health food store for pets.
They sell foods, treats, and toys that
are 100% safe and made in the United
States and Canada, chosen wisely by
their knowledgeable staff to keep furry
family members healthy and happy!
especially for seniors,” said Andrea
Margelis of Pets Naturally. “Keeping
Willow healthy with a nutritious diet is
our goal because we understand that
the presence of animals infuses the
environment with life. The joy that one
cat can bring makes a significant difference to the lives that it surrounds.”
“When the opportunity to sponsor Willow the kitty from Willow Cottage came along, we knew it would be a fantastic chance to help out
our community. Having a companion animal is of great importance
Willow won’t be the only one benefiting from her healthy diet provided by
Pets Naturally. Studies have shown
that having a cat or dog in assisted
living facilities helps to lower the
residents’ blood pressure, reduce
cholesterol, and relieve depression. Having Willow around is part of
our commitment to providing an Eden Alternative living environment.
Find out more about Pets Naturally at petsnaturallytc.com.
The Wellness Center Celebrates 15 Years of Healing
Since it’s opening in 2002, The Wellness
Center at Grand Traverse Pavilions has helped
thousands of individuals get back on their feet
following falls, car accidents, strokes, elective surgeries and serious illnesses. With a full
continuum of care from inpatient subacute
rehabilitation to outpatient therapies including aquatics, the Wellness Center focuses on
all disciplines–speech therapy, occupational
therapy, and physical therapy to help patients
reach their goals.
“We combine state of the art equipment with a
well trained staff,” says Amy Coneset, Wellness
Center Director. “Our therapists average 15
years’ experience each. We encourage them to
continue their education to make sure we are
providing the most up to date treatment
techniques available. We’ve grown
tremendously since our opening in 2002.”
The Wellness Center therapists can help
with a variety of therapy needs, including
comprehensive post stroke care, specialized
treatment for Parkinson’s like LSVT Big and
Loud, and manual therapy to treat pain and
orthopedic conditions.
For those recovering from a stroke, they
can take advantage of trained professionals
who have received education at the Rehab
Institute of Chicago, SAEBO Certification for
upper extremity rehabilitation, specialized
aquatic training, and speech therapy focused
on communication and swallowing deficits.
“I was introduced to the
Aquatic program through
a friend after I had my
first knee replaced back in
2010. The facility and staff
are amazing.” Said Sue
Stein (pictured in the pool
with therapist Kristi Clark).
“My second knee was
replaced the next year and I
jumped back into their program. I have been in their
‘after care’ program ever
since and am so thankful
my friend steered me to
6
this facility. Thank you Grand Traverse Pavilions
Wellness Center for providing such an amazing
place and thanks to the wonderful staff.”
Seven therapists are certified for specialized
Parkinson’s treatments including LSVT Big and
Loud. There is also Aquatics for Parkinson’s,
a class to focus on balance, breathing and
smooth body movements.
For those who have had elective surgery or
need orthopedic therapy for other reasons, our
state-of-the-art equipment includes Solostep
equipment for balance and gait training, NuStep
for aerobic conditioning, and Keiser Trainers for
strengthening.
The Continuum of Care provided by The
Wellness Center includes an inpatient Rehab
Center featuring private and semi-private
suites, a state-of-the-art gym, a rehab car, simulated living spaces, and an on-site, 92-degree
therapy pool. All of this specialized treatment is
offered in a collaborative atmosphere, to help
patients achieve their wellness goals.
Foundation Board Advised Grants Approved
The Grand Traverse Pavilions Foundation Board worked with Administration last year to approve the allocation of up to $5,000 to launch a Board
Advised Grant program for supporting the various departments within the
Pavilions. The members of the Foundation Board graciously augmented
the grant funds available by making personal annual contributions. The
intention of the program is to direct a portion of unrestricted or “Area of
greatest need” donations collected throughout the year to be offered in
the form of mini-grants (less than $2,500) for programs or projects that
will either enhance direct care for our residents or staff efficiency in
caring for our residents.
This is the first time the Board Advised Funds have been offered.
There were five grants submitted and three approved for a total of $3526.
The finalists were then presented to the Foundation Board Advised Grant
Committee chaired by Russ Knopp - Foundation Board Treasurer. Additional members of the Committee included Foundation Board President,
Dennis Prout; Past Foundation President, Evelyn Richardson and Trustee
Barb Mikowski. Both Evelyn and Barb have a strong nursing background
that add valuable insight to the approval process.
Grants approved included:
Music Program: Based on a pilot with positive outcomes on Elm Pavilion,
a grant was awarded to purchase thirteen additional iPods and headsets
to provide music therapy for the residents, to help improve their quality of
life. Holly Edmondson, Director of Nursing shared “Utilizing music helps
engage, manage stress, soothe and uplift the moods of those suffering
from Alzheimer’s and memory impairment. It has been shown that at
times music that is familiar is able to reach those that do not respond
to typical treatment or activities.” For each resident a music preference
assessment will be done to determine their favorite music. The grant
awarded was for a total of $832.
Comfort and Calming: Weighted blankets have been proven to help
manage stress and anxiety of those who suffer from anxiousness when
feeling alone or insecure. Studies show that at times of anxiousness
those having difficulty sleeping or relaxing benefit from the weighted
blankets. Positive outcomes have been experienced on Birch Pavilion
where a weighted blanket has been utilized. The grant will make available a variety of sizes and weights of blankets for individual comfort.
The grant awarded was to purchase six blankets for a total of $594.
Lift Chairs: The Wellness Center has requested a grant to purchase
three mechanical lift chairs of various sizes for the Rehab Center.
Lift chairs are beneficial for nursing and therapy staff for a variety of
reasons. The lift chairs create improved opportunities for transfer training from a variety of heights, increase independence for clients in the
rehab center, and provide improved comfort and options for positioning. The grant awarded will purchase one small, medium and large lift
chair to accommodate clients of various sizes for a total of $2,100.
It is anticipated that the Foundation Board Advised Grants will be offered annually, or perhaps bi-annually, depending on the amounts of
funding available and the identified needs. Deborah Allen, Executive
Director of the Grand Traverse Pavilions Foundation shared “We are
so pleased that leadership has allowed us to pilot this grant program.
It has multiple benefits; The Foundation leadership gets a better understanding of the needs and services provided by our amazing team
at the Pavilions, the Pavilions staff gains a better understanding of the
role of the Foundation through the impact of donor support, and our
residents benefit from enhanced programs and services that may not
otherwise been realized.”
For the convenience of those interested in making a donation to
support future funding for the Board Advised Grant program giving
envelopes are included in this publication. Thank you in advance for
your consideration to help fund equipment and programs that enhance
our ability to care for our residents.
Successful Aging Series - Preserving Your Legacy
Join us as our Successful Aging series explores the topic “Preserving
Your Legacy.” Sponsored by Comfort Keepers of Northern Michigan, this
bi-monthly series is geared to help individuals and their families preserve
a loved one’s life stories, wishes and legacy.
Deb Oetjens Jackson
The series kicks off February 24 at 1 PM
with Capturing Life’s Stories presented by
Deb Oetjens Jackson. Attendees will learn
techniques for capturing memorable stories
from everyday life in short story format. Jackson will share practical ideas for selecting
stories, retrieving details, formatting possibilities and story writing. These stories can then
be combined with other memorabilia such as
pictures or family recipes to become a family
treasure. Future classes include:
Friday, April 28 at 1 PM: The Last Word featuring Nicole Westrick
of Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home who will guide participants in
capturing a lifetime in a few words.
Friday, June 9 at 1 PM: Leaving a Legacy where Brian Ursu of
Intentional Wealth Advisors will provide suggestions for starting a
conversation about passing on your legacy.
Friday, August 25 at 1 PM: Lest We Forget with Maggie Hardy of the
Alzheimer’s Association. She will lead a discussion about planning for
the future when dealing with dementia.
Held in our Multi-Purpose room at Grand Traverse Pavilions,
Successful Aging is free and open to the public. Register online at
gtpavilions.org/register-now or by calling 932-3018.
7
Non Profit Org.
US Postage
PAID
Traverse City MI
Permit #137
1000 Pavilions Circle, Traverse City, MI 49684
Save The Date!
Robin Spielberg, renowned pianist, will perform for the 2017
Grandparents Day Gala and Benefit. See page 3 for more
info. Visit robinspielberg.com to learn more about her music.
Announcing Concerts on the Lawn Line-up and Sponsorship
Grand Traverse Pavilions and Title sponsor
Serra Subaru of Traverse City are pleased to
announce the artists slated to perform in its
2017 summer Concerts on the Lawn series.
This year’s series will feature a line-up of 14
concerts. Concerts are Thursdays at 7 PM and
include a wide variety of musical genres.
Serra Subaru joins Headliner sponsors Comfort
Keepers, Fifth Third Bank, Prout Financial
Design, and Floor Covering Brokers along with
media sponsors Midwestern Broadcasting
and the Record Eagle newspaper. Additional
sponsorship opportunities are still available to
interested local businesses.
The series will start June 1 with the neXus
Band, their first time performing at Concerts
on the Lawn. Past performers returning for this
year include May Erlewine, The Gordon Lightfoot Tribute, Jetty Rae, Miriam Pico, Peter, Paul
& Mary Remembered, K. Jones and the Benzie
Playboys, Grand Traverse Pipes and Drums,
Bay Area Big Band, and Rob Bolin. Other new
artists playing this summer include Oh Brother,
Big Sister, Rebooted, Dan Fogelberg Tribute and
The Backroom Gang.
“We are very excited to partner with Serra
Subaru as our Title sponsor this year,” says
Deborah Allen, Executive Director of the Grand
Traverse Pavilions Foundation. “Our sponsors
help cover the musician fees and promotional
costs so that we can provide this multi-generational celebration of music for our residents,
their families and the community. We simply
could not continue to offer this free series if
not for our committed sponsors, many of which
return year after year. ”
Held on the Grand Lawn of the Grand Traverse
Pavilions Campus, the outdoor concerts are free
to the public. Guest are encouraged to bring
their own chairs or blankets for the hour long
performance. Concessions open at 5:30 PM,
offer a picnic style menu with Moomer’s ice
cream for dessert. “It’s a great, family friendly
evening for the public, our assisted living and
long-term care residents and their families,”
says Kory Hansen, Administrator/CEO. “We are
proud to share this amazing space, great food,
and an exceptional line-up of regional artists
with the community.”
8
For the first time, this year’s series features a
Title sponsor, Serra Subaru of Traverse City.
Mike McFarlan, General Manager of Serra
Traverse City shared “Subaru has a proud
history of supporting local charities and family
friendly community based events. The Grand
Traverse Pavilions Foundation offered us the
perfect opportunity to show our appreciation
for our customers and our community by supporting this free summer long concert series.
We hope everyone will come out to enjoy an
evening of free music and togetherness, which
is core to Subaru’s values.”
Concession proceeds and goodwill donations
received during the concerts will go to the
Grand Traverse Pavilions Foundation and the
Power of PACE Capital Campaign. PACE, the
Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly,
provides comprehensive care for nursing
home-eligible older adults so they can remain
living safely in their homes and communities.
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